Support Tax Relief For Elderly

Our Towns

Coventry

June 18, 2001

The Coventry Town Council is smart to consider a property tax relief program for the elderly and disabled. Sacrificing a small amount of tax revenue to help people with limited incomes remain in town will pay off in other ways. Residents should throw their support behind the plan, which will be discussed at a council meeting tonight.

High taxes are a major reason why longtime residents sell their homes and move out of town. And when they leave, an important source of volunteers and neighborhood stability shrinks. Older residents also add diversity and a historical perspective to the population that enlivens the community.

The tax relief would be modeled after the existing state program in which disabled homeowners and people 65 and older qualify for a property tax reduction, based on income. About one-third of Connecticut municipalities have added supplemental tax cuts funded by the towns. The standard way to supplement the state program is either raise the income limits needed to qualify or give homeowners a larger tax credit. The program could cost Coventry as much as $60,000 in lost revenues, a worthwhile investment.

Council members seem to support the concept. But they should reject one unwise provision under consideration -- putting a lien on the homes of those who claim the tax relief. That would merely defer taxes, which would be paid when the property is sold. That is unlikely to help anyone.

Older homeowners, especially with limited incomes, may need the profit from a home sale to pay for nursing home care. The fear of diminishing the value of that property could keep many from participating and defeat its purpose.

Before approving any plan, the council should hold a meeting to gauge public sentiment. Officials already intend to survey those who would qualify for tax relief. They need to measure the support of other taxpayers, too.